Heartlands Pride has made its colourful return in 2025 with an expanded ten-day programme of events taking place from November 5 to 14. Supported by the Westmeath County Council Festival and Events Grant, alongside a host of local businesses, Heartlands Pride continues to grow as one of the Midlands’ most inclusive and dynamic celebrations of the LGBTQ+ community.
The festivities have already begun on November 5 with a relaxed community coffee meet-up at Café Nero in Athlone at 5:30 pm, offering an opportunity for old friends and newcomers alike to connect. The following day, November 6, features a Rainbow Refugee Awareness Workshop for paid service providers, held at Athlone Civic Centre in collaboration with LGBT Ireland and Westmeath Integration.
November 7 marks the opening of the Heartlands Pride 2025 Community Exhibition at the Luan Gallery, showcasing artwork from LGBTQ+ artists based in the Midlands and beyond. The exhibition will run until November 16, and is open Tuesday to Saturday from 11am to 5pm, and Sundays from 12pm to 5pm. Later that evening, the Winter Pride Party at the Piano Bar will bring together an energetic line-up including The Haus of Kwen, Annie Naggins, Rachael Chrome, Robyn Attention, Hayley Benson, and MC Miss Memphis Shell.
The celebrations continue on November 8 with a burlesque workshop at Athlone Pole Dance Studio, followed by the annual Pride Breakfast at Gerties from 11am. The Nightmare Before Christmas Market at Dead Centre Brewing will run from 1 pm to 5 pm, followed by casual cocktails in the same venue from 5pm onwards.
On November 9, a spoken word event at Athlone Book Store will feature local musicians and poets, followed by a Trans Healthcare Action panel discussion, and later, a lively Queer Quiz Night at Gertie Browne’s hosted by drag queen Tess Tickles.
Heartlands Pride 2025 will close on November 14 with a Charity Gig for Gaza at The Dean Crowe Theatre, raising funds for the Palestinian Red Crescent through performances by Liadh, Darren O’Hara, Used 2B Cool, Luain, and What’s That Smell.
© 2025 GCN (Gay Community News). All rights reserved.
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